Trainer Tom Dabernig toyed with the idea of running Shadhavar in a Stakes race at Caulfield but in the end reasoned one last attempt against her own age was a better option.
Shadhavar was entered for the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) on Saturday but instead will contest the Tobin Brothers Celebrating Lives Handicap (1100m).
“It’s her last opportunity to run against her own age before she turns four,” Dabernig said.
“There will be opportunities for her early in the new season if we want to try her at Stakes levels against the mares.”
Shadhavar will be racing second-up on Saturday having run a first-up fifth over Saturday’s course and distance on July 12.
Dabernig was initially disappointed with the performance, but on reflection said the effort was better than it appeared.
The Warrnambool horseman also came to the conclusion that Shadhavar is a horse that requires a race under the belt before producing her best.
“There was a reasonable amount of hype before her first-up run and she went into the race as favourite,” Dabernig said.
“After I analysed it, the first four home had all had runs, or multiple runs, and were race fit.
“Only one of the horses, the one that ran third (Foxenberg) sat up on the pace while the other two that went forward finished behind us.
“I think for us first-up, the pressure of the race and the speed in the early part, took away the finish.
“We were right there until the 100-metre mark and then she just didn’t crunch the line, but I think she will be clearly better for that run.”
Dabernig said that was the third time Shadhavar had performed below expectations first-up after trialling well.
He said trials lacked pressure and while benefitting the filly, a race under the belt was better.
“There’s nothing like a good race day hit out to bring them on,” Dabernig said.
“I think she’ll run well again from the barrier, and she’s had exposure to soft ground, so that shouldn’t be a problem.”
John Allen has the ride on Saturday having ridden the filly first-up just on two weeks ago.
